Forum rolls out defense of Westport transit programs

Published 8:15 pm, Thursday, October 4, 2012

James Ross, chairman of the Citizens Transit Committee, addresses a forum Thursday on transportation concerns of the town's older adults and people with disabilities.

James Ross, chairman of the Citizens Transit Committee, addresses a forum Thursday on transportation concerns of the town's older adults and people with disabilities.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

Image 2 of 2

Susan Kinville of Westport, who uses a wheelchair, shares her thoughts Thursday with, from left Jennifer Johnson and Gene Cederbaum, co-directors of Westport Transit District; Pegi Brandt, manager of special services for the Norwalk Transit Door-to-Door Service, and James Ross, and Carolin Sigal, of the Citizens Transit Committee. sponsors of a forum at the Center for Senior Services. less

Susan Kinville of Westport, who uses a wheelchair, shares her thoughts Thursday with, from left Jennifer Johnson and Gene Cederbaum, co-directors of Westport Transit District; Pegi Brandt, manager of special ... more

Photo: Jarret Liotta

Forum rolls out defense of Westport transit programs

1 / 2

Back to Gallery

To survey opinions of Westport seniors and people with disabilities about local transportation issues, the Citizens Transit Committee held a forum Thursday morning to gather feedback at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. The forum was part of an effort by the committee over the next several months to justify budget allocations for local transit programs.

About 25 seniors, only some of whom use the subsidized door-to-door service offered through the town via the Norwalk Transit District, shared ideas and asked questions at the forum.

Among the key points discussed was extending service to weekends and later into evening.

"The senior center has programs here on Saturday and I can't come because I can't get here," one woman said.

"I know a lot of people in Canal Park who would use it on weekends," she said of the service, which costs $2.60 per ride.

Susan Pfister, the senior center director, said transportation prevents some Westport seniors from making use of nighttime programs at the center.

"Thursday evenings we're open until 8 p.m. and that raises a problem for some people," she said.

"I get it," said James Ross, the transit committee chairman who is legally blind and can no longer drive. "On weekends I don't drive. I'm at home."

"A service like this is a life line," he added.

Ross and others believe not enough people in Westport know the public transportation options that are available. One man said this was evidenced by the small number of people at Thursday's forum.

"I take that as a red flag for all of us," said Ross. "We have ... a crown jewel in Westport and we need to get the word out."

He and others also referenced the ITN Coastal CT transportation initiative, which offers members low-cost door-to-door transportation 24 hours a day.